One Pan Balsamic Chicken Recipe

This One Pan Balsamic Chicken is the definition of a weeknight dinner win: juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts, sweet tangy balsamic glaze, and a fresh caprese topping of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—all bubbling together in a single skillet. It’s stunning, simple, and absolutely packed with flavor from the very first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients, One Pan Balsamic Chicken delivers huge on taste and visual appeal. Each star player brings a little something special—from the tangy glaze to the creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes.

• Balsamic Vinegar: The backbone of the sauce—balances tanginess and sweetness, creating that signature sticky glaze.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize on the chicken for irresistible flavor.
• Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): Gives you a silky sauce and helps the chicken sear to golden perfection.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Builds those classic Mediterranean aromas—feel free to add extra basil or oregano if you love bold herbs.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings subtle tang and backbone to the glaze, making each bite pop.
• Grape Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and burst of color make the caprese topping irresistible.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Use ciliegine or pearls for creamy, melty pools that blanket the chicken.
• Fresh Basil: That final sprinkle of brightness and aroma (don’t skip it—it ties the whole dish together beautifully!)
• Chicken Breasts: Pounded to even thickness for juicy, evenly-cooked results every time.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Black Pepper: For seasoning every layer to taste, ensuring a balanced, savory bite.

Variations

Your kitchen, your canvas! One Pan Balsamic Chicken is delicious as written, but you can easily adapt it to suit your pantry favorites, dietary preferences, or what’s in-season at the market.

• Add Veggies: Layer in sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or baby spinach under the tomatoes for a burst of extra nutrition and color.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the mozzarella for a vegan cheese or simply add extra tomatoes and basil—still fresh, light, and beautiful.
• Try Different Proteins: Use boneless, skinless thighs or even thick slices of tofu for a slightly richer or vegetarian twist.
• Change the Glaze: For something new, add a splash of pomegranate molasses or a dash of chili flakes to the balsamic sauce.

How to Make One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper to your liking, then set it aside to let the flavors mingle while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Prep the Tomato Mozzarella Topping

Slice your grape tomatoes in half and toss them in a bowl with the mozzarella balls and freshly chopped basil. Add a little salt and pepper, then gently mix everything together. Set this colorful topping aside—it will come together as the perfect finish for the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Meanwhile, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this is the trick to tender, moist meat! In a large oven-safe skillet, heat your oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, and lay them in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, just until gently golden but not cooked through.

Step 4: Add the Balsamic Sauce

Drizzle the balsamic sauce mixture over the chicken right in the pan. Let it bubble up for a moment and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits—those little flavor bombs that make the sauce crave-worthy.

Step 5: Finish with Tomatoes and Mozzarella & Bake

Remove the pan from the heat and scatter the tomato mozzarella mixture right on top of the chicken. Slide the skillet straight into the hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 18-23 minutes. When the chicken hits 165°F internally, and the cheese is beautifully melty, it’s ready! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long.

How to Serve One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, shower your One Pan Balsamic Chicken with extra torn basil, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, or a grind of freshly cracked black pepper. A scattering of thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt looks gorgeous and lifts the dish into dinner party territory with zero fuss.

Side Dishes

This vibrant skillet meal loves classic, simple sides—try it with garlic roasted potatoes, a fluffy bed of herbed rice, or a loaf of crusty bread for dunking into the balsamic glaze. For something lighter, toss up an arugula salad dressed with lemon and parmesan, or serve next to lightly grilled asparagus and zucchini.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a bit of bistro flair by serving the chicken sliced over a platter with the mozzarella and tomatoes arranged on top, then spoon extra glaze generously over everything. For an appetizer twist, chop up leftovers and pile onto toasted baguette slices for a riff on caprese bruschetta—seriously irresistible as a party starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Balsamic Chicken stores beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, spoon any extra sauce and topping over the chicken, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days and makes for the best next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of mozzarella and tomatoes may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then add fresh tomato and mozzarella when reheating for that just-baked feel.

Reheating

Gently reheat One Pan Balsamic Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave individual portions—just don’t overdo it, as the mozzarella should be melty, not rubbery!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a fresh, joyful twist on chicken night, One Pan Balsamic Chicken is waiting to become your new favorite. It’s easy enough for a rushed weeknight but gorgeous enough for company—so don’t be surprised if it gets requested again and again!

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